Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-01-18
AN ARMY FOR THE KNIGHTS.
The Coal Miners Of the Whole CouMtr
Organized in One Band.
A SECRET MOVEMENT ELIMINATING IN SUCCESS
EIGHTxxN STATES AND TERRITORIES RNBRACEp.

A SECRET MOVEMENT ELIMINATING IN SUCCESS
EiaHTEzS STATES AND TERRITORIES E,GBRACED.
From the Philadelphia Press. January IT.
gigantic scheme for the general reorganiza-
ton Of all the coal miners and mine laborers OF the
United States under one banner is now being &C
complished by the Knights Of Labor. 1t will be
the most powerful and far-extending association
OF miners ever known In this country, and is ex-
pected eventually to absorb and supersede the
present organizations among that class OF work
men. The scheme originated In the mind Of VIM.
H. Bailey, now member OF the general executive
board OF the Knights and has been entertained by
him for twenty years past. Mr.. Powderiy and the
other members of the general board, have author
1Zed the present plan, and every indication points
to its fuhllment. Fourteen states and four terri
tories are now embraced in the organization, and
future developments may extend its scope still
further
All the mining sections of this state, both of
anthracite and bituminous coal, have been thor
Oughly though quietly canvaSSed within the last
three months, except the Connellsvilie coke re-
gion, and the men in that locality will be organ
Ted during the coming week. The btuminouS
Garden. in Maryland and West Virginia. have been
secretly visited by special committees within the
past ten days, and the work OF organization there
Is said 10 DE nearly completed. In two of the far
western territories no organization has yet been
perfected, but they are included in the great
project. and. it is understood will be attended to
in the near future.
THE FIRST STEPS IN THE WORK.
The plan was first outlined May 20, 1886. when
representative miners from nine states and one
territory met in st. Louis and effected prelimi-
nary association. The plan was perfected four
mOntnS later, when general special convention
was heid lor the purpose at Indianapolis. from
september Id TO 20, the proceedings OF which have
never Deen made public. Since then, as stated
above, the project has ripened and been brought
10 perlectlOn. The whole organization will be
known as the National District Assembly No 135
OF Miners and Mine Laborers OF America For
convenience In management and mutual interest
numbered as divisions. Miners employed in re-
glOnS Where the same kind of coal is produced or
which Is shipped TO the same market are grouped
togetner IN separate districts. The twelfth and
nor has the fourth, which win embrace the coke
miners of this state The aggregate mem.
berSh1p OF the whole body Is now es-
umated at one hundred thousand men, The
divisions Will all be subordinate to District assem-
Oily l35. Ihey will be Differed and governed after
the manner OF local assemblies of the knights of
Labor. In most cases the divisions include many
local assemblies. NO local assembly or division
VIII De allowed to cause any Stoppage without the
sanction OF the national district executive board
William II. Bailey, of the general executive board
OF the knghfS OF Labor, Is master workman OF the
Wnoe organization. and Louis James, of New
Straltsflue, o., Is secretary treasurer
NOT SEEKING HIGHER WAGES.
The purpose in view of the organization is not
an Immediate demand for higher wages or shorter
hours but TO establish a mutual understanding
Tor concerted action in other directions. In case
OF a demand, it is stated no move Will he made
which Is not thought to be reasonable. If a de-
mand Is made in one division it will not neces-
sarliy anect any other. One or the main reasons
Ior dlvlding the organization is understood to be
the avoidance OF trouble in one region by the men
employed In other adjacent regions as heretofore